ProviderGet Your Straight New Smile Looking Its Very Best
Your treatment is done, and it's time to show off that straight new smile – but you're worried that your teeth look stained or discoloured. Have no fear, we've got you covered.
Stained and yellow teeth are common in teens and adults after braces are removed. Rather than a direct effect of the braces' brackets and wires, this discoloration is due to imperfect oral hygiene habits over the course of the treatment period.
Difficulties reaching tight areas around braces, inconsistent flossing habits, and frequent snacking can all negatively impact the health and appearance of the teeth once braces are removed.
To help you feel great about your new smile, professional teeth whitening from your Lake Oswego orthodontist is available to even out and brighten the appearance of your teeth – adding polish and pizzazz to that straight new smile.
Flexible Payment Plans
A beautiful, healthy smile can boost your confidence and allow you to be your best self. To help bring your best smile closer to fruition, our team can work with you to create a zero-interest payment plan to fit your budget. Because you deserve it.
Post-Treatment Teeth Whitening
Orthodontic Specialists of Lake Oswego offers at-home teeth whitening kits that can be used after your orthodontic treatment is complete.
Achieve a whiter smile right in the comfort of your own home. If you choose to whiten your teeth at home, we will take impressions of your mouth to create custom whitening trays to perfectly fit your new smile.
At home, you'll apply whitening gel to the trays as directed and wear them according to your orthodontist's instructions. You can whiten your teeth while watching TV, cooking dinner, or even while doing your homework.
Each whitening application will take you one step closer to the brighter smile you are looking for.
Teeth Whitening After Braces FAQs
Considering whitening your smile but still have questions? Read the answers to our most frequently asked questions about teeth whitening after orthodontic treatment.
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Can I get my teeth whitened while I still have braces?
Sometimes, it is possible to have your teeth whitened while you still have braces, although your orthodontist may recommend waiting until treatment is complete.
If teeth whitening treatments aren't recommended for you, you may want to try whitening toothpaste or mouthwash until your treatment is complete.
Electric toothbrushes can also be very effective at helping people with braces brush more effectively. Regular, thorough brushing and flossing help prevent plaque buildup and give teeth a whiter appearance.
Ask your orthodontist if teeth whitening is right for you.
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Will teeth whitening get rid of yellow staining after braces?
Any staining that you may notice when your braces are removed likely isn't permanent.
In fact, much of the staining that occurs during braces treatment can be effectively reversed with extra attention to your oral hygiene routine and professional teeth whitening from your orthodontist.
Speak to your orthodontist to find out if teeth whitening could be right for you.
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Will teeth whitening hide the white spots on my teeth?
White spots that often appear on teeth after braces treatment are caused by mineral loss beneath the tooth's enamel. This can occur due to challenges brushing and flossing during braces treatment. When teeth aren't cleaned thoroughly, the spaces around brackets and bands can become ideal hiding places for damaging sugar, acid, and bacteria that lead to tooth decay and white spots.
To avoid white spots from forming, be diligent when it comes to cleaning your teeth properly and regularly throughout your braces treatment, and continue to see your dental hygienist for professional cleanings at least every six months.
If you have white spots after your braces treatment, whitening treatments may help to reduce the staining around white spots, making them less noticeable. Your orthodontist may also recommend remineralization treatment as a quick and effective way to help restore tooth enamel and repair white spots.
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Can I get my teeth whitened as soon as my braces come off?
Our orthodontist usually recommends waiting a few weeks after having your braces removed before undergoing teeth whitening. This will give you time to get comfortable with the feeling of your new appliance-free smile.
During this period, you will also be able to pay extra attention to your oral hygiene routine, reducing any plaque buildup that may have accumulated. This will help you achieve optimal results from your whitening treatments.
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How long will the effects of teeth whitening last?
Unfortunately, the effects of whitening fade over time. Many people choose to have a whitening touch-up about once a year to keep their teeth looking their whitest.
A few ways to minimize future discoloration include:
- Avoiding heavily pigmented foods such as those flavored with turmeric
- Reducing your consumption of dark beverages such as cola, coffee, tea, and red wine
- Maintaining a thorough and diligent oral hygiene routine that includes brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day
- Visiting your dentist twice a year for professional cleaning
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Will teeth whitening make my teeth more sensitive?
Maybe, but increased sensitivity shouldn't last long.
Increased sensitivity is a common short-term side effect of teeth whitening. However, it should only last for a few days. Within a couple of weeks, your teeth should gradually return to their normal level of sensitivity.
To help minimize your risk of increased sensitivity, you can try using an anti-sensitivity toothpaste for a couple of weeks before and after your teeth whitening treatment.
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Will insurance cover the cost of teeth whitening after braces?
Unfortunately, most dental insurance policies will not cover the cost of teeth whitening. However, you may want to contact your provider for more details.